Program-implementable image processing apparatus, control method for image processing apparatus, control program for realizing control method, and memory medium

ABSTRACT

An image processing apparatus is disclosed as an embodiment of the invention. The image processing apparatus which is connected to a communication network and can communicate with an outside includes operating means for allowing the user to operate the image processing apparatus, managing means for managing a program and data existing in the image processing apparatus, obtaining means for obtaining a program to control the image processing apparatus from an information processing apparatus connected via the communication network, recognizing means for recognizing an end of a process based on the program in the image processing apparatus, and deleting means for deleting the program in response to the end of the process of the program.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The invention relates to an image processing apparatus in whichvarious kinds of programs can be implemented, a control method for theimage processing apparatus, a control program for the image processingapparatus, and a memory medium in which the control program has beenstored.

[0003] 2. Related Background Art

[0004] Hitherto, in a system for executing some processes from aninformation processing apparatus (computer) such as a PC (personalcomputer) or the like to which an image processing apparatus (imageforming apparatus) such as a hybrid apparatus or the like is connectedvia a communication network such as a network or the like, when aspecific process is requested to the image processing apparatus by thePC or the like, there is used a method whereby a job corresponding tothe process which is requested is inputted from the PC side, progress isobserved, and a result is obtained, a method whereby only activation ofthe process is requested and the actual operation is executed by using auser interface on the image processing apparatus, or the like is used.In recent office environment, although many PCs have been introduced,scanners and hybrid apparatuses (MFP: Multi Function Peripherals) of thesame number as that of the PCs do not always exist and there is also acase where the scanner is shared and used by a plurality of persons. Insuch a case, a distance between a place where the PC with which theoperator is always working has been installed and a place where thescanner or the MFP has been installed is not always close.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In consideration of such a background, there is a problem suchthat work which is executed on the PC and work which is executed in theimage processing apparatus that is away from the PC exist, so that thewhole work is complicated. Specifically speaking, in the case of worksuch that an image of an original is read by the PC or the like by usingthe image processing apparatus, generally, after an original readingprocess is activated on the PC, the operator goes to the imageprocessing apparatus and sets the original therein. Thereafter, hereturns to the PC, executes the reading process, and finally, goes tothe image processing apparatus again and collects the original, or thelike. There is a problem such that he has to go and return twice betweenthe PC and the image processing apparatus.

[0006] As another case, when the original reading process is requestedto the image processing apparatus by the PC and residual processes areexecuted on the image processing apparatus, there is a problem such thatsince the processes have to be executed on an operation panel of theimage processing apparatus by using the user interface havingoperability different from that on the PC, the operator has tounderstand the operation of the image processing apparatus.

[0007] In consideration of the above problems, the following apparatusis disclosed as an example of a system of the invention. That is, thereis provided a network system including an information processingapparatus connected to a network and an image processing apparatus whichcan communicate with the information processing apparatus via thenetwork. The information processing apparatus which can be connected tothe network system comprises: input means for inputting an operation ofthe image processing apparatus; transfer control means for controlling aprocess to transfer a control program to the image processing apparatus;and limiting means for limiting the input in the input means inaccordance with the transfer of the control program which is controlledby the transfer control means. The image processing apparatus comprises:obtaining means for obtaining the control program transferred in thetransfer process which is controlled by the transfer control means;display control means for controlling a process to display an operatingunit which can input a part or all of operations which can be inputtedby the input means to a display unit onto an operation panel of theimage processing apparatus by using the control program obtained by theobtaining means; recognizing means for recognizing an end of anoperation; deleting means for deleting the control program in responseto that the recognizing means recognizes the end of the operation; andnotifying means for notifying the limiting means so as to cancel thelimitation of the input by the input means in response to the deletionof the control program in the deleting means or the recognition of theend of the operation by the recognizing means.

[0008] Other features and advantages of the present invention will beapparent from the following description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate thesame or similar parts throughout thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009]FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a whole construction of an imageprocessing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0010]FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardwareconstruction of a controller in FIG. 1;

[0011]FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a networkconstruction in which the image processing apparatus in FIG. 1 operates;

[0012]FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardwareconstruction of a PC constructing a system of FIG. 3;

[0013]FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a construction ofsoftware on the PC side according to the first embodiment of theinvention;

[0014]FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a construction of a part in thecontroller in the image processing apparatus according to the firstembodiment of the invention;

[0015]FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of the operation of a mainprogram of software on the PC side according to the first embodiment ofthe invention;

[0016]FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a flow of the operation of a mainprogram of software on the PC side according to the second embodiment ofthe invention;

[0017]FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a flow of the operation of a part ofthe program in an image processing apparatus according to the secondembodiment of the invention;

[0018]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display picture plane on an MFPbefore a subprogram 503 is received;

[0019]FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a display message at the time when ascanner is selected as an MFP by an image processing application in stepS704;

[0020]FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a display picture plane on the PCbefore the subprogram 503 transmits data to the MFP; and

[0021]FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display picture plane on the MFP ofthe subprogram 503.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] Each embodiment of the invention will be described hereinbelowwith reference to the drawings.

[0023] (First Embodiment)

[0024] First, the first embodiment of the invention will be explainedwith reference to FIGS. 1 to 7.

[0025]FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a whole construction of an imageprocessing apparatus (image forming apparatus) according to the firstembodiment of the invention. In the diagram, reference numeral 101denotes a controller for controlling the whole image processingapparatus. The controller 101 has a hardware construction as shown inFIG. 2, which will be explained hereinlater. Reference numeral 102denotes a communication interface for allowing the controller 101 tocommunicate with an external apparatus of an image processing apparatus.As a communication interface (I/F) 102, for example, it is possible touse an Ethernet (registered trademark) interface, an IEE1284 interface,or another communication interface can be used. Reference numeral 103denotes a scanner engine which is controlled by the controller 101 and104 indicates a printer engine which is controlled by the controller101. For example, a laser beam printer, an ink jet printer, or anotherprinter can be used as a printer engine 104. Reference numeral 105denotes a facsimile (FAX) board for realizing an FAX function such ascommunication control or the like upon transmission and reception of animage. The FAX board 105 is controlled by the controller 101. Referencenumeral 106 denotes a user interface (I/F) constructed by a displaycomprising an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like, a keyboard, andthe like. The user I/F 106 has functions for displaying information fromthe controller 101 and transferring an instruction from the user to thecontroller 101.

[0026] The image processing apparatus according to the embodiment withthe construction as mentioned above allows the scanner engine 103 to beselected and enables a scan job to be issued. The image processingapparatus also allows the printer engine 104 and the scanner engine 103to be selected and enables a copy job to be issued. The image processingapparatus also allows the printer engine 104, the scanner engine 103,and the FAX board 105 to be selected and enables an FAX reception joband an FAX transmission job to be issued.

[0027]FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic construction ofhardware regarding mainly the controller 101 in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG.2, the controller 101 shown in FIG. 1 is constructed by mutuallyconnecting the following component elements via a system bus 211: a CPU(Central Processing Unit) 201; an RAM (Random Access Memory) 202; an LCD203; a keyboard 204; an ROM (Read Only Memory) 205; a communicationinterface 206; a scanner engine 207; a printer engine 208; an FAX board209; and a DISK (memory means) 210.

[0028] A program to control the controller 101 in FIG. 1 has been storedin the ROM 205 or the DISK 210 and is read out therefrom and stored intothe RAM 202 as necessary and executed by the CPU 201. Besides thecontrol program, attribute information showing functions and statuses ofthe image processing apparatus and of jobs which are processed by theimage processing apparatus, job data serving as a target of an output,and the like have been stored in the ROM 205 or the DISK 210. The CPU201 allows the LCD 203 to display information, a message, or the likeand receives an instruction from the user via the keyboard 204. The CPU201 communicates with an external apparatus via the communicationinterface 206.

[0029] In the embodiment, in the image processing apparatus in FIG. 1,the CPU 201 receives an input of the user from the keyboard 204 via thesystem bus 211 and controls the RAM 202, LCD 203, ROM 205, communicationinterface 206, scanner engine 207, printer engine 208, FAX board 209,and DISK 210, thereby executing various processes unless otherwisespecified.

[0030]FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a construction ofa network system in which the image processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1operates. In the diagram, reference numeral 301 denotes an MFP (MultiFunction Peripheral: hybrid apparatus having functions of a scanner, aprinter, a facsimile, and the like). The MFP 301 corresponds to theimage processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1. Reference numeral 302denotes a PC(1); 303 a PC(2); and 304 a PC(3). Each of the PC(1) 302,PC(2) 303, and PC(3) 304 has a hardware construction as shown in FIG. 4,which will be explained hereinlater and indicates the PC (PersonalComputer) connected to the MFP 301 via a network 305. A workstation,another image processing apparatus, or another equipment can be alsoconnected to the MFP 301 via the network 305.

[0031]FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the hardware construction of thePC constructing the network system of FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 4, the PCis constructed by mutually connecting the following component elementsvia a system bus 409: a CPU 401; an RAM 402; a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube)403; a keyboard 404; a pointing device 405; an ROM 406; a DISK 407; anda communication interface 408.

[0032] A program to control the PC has been stored in the ROM 406 or theDISK 407 and is read out therefrom and stored into the RAM 402 asnecessary and executed by the CPU 401. The CPU 401 allows the CRT 403 todisplay and receives an instruction of the user from the keyboard 404and the pointing device 405. The CPU 401 communicates with an externalapparatus via the communication interface 408.

[0033] In the embodiment, in the PC in FIG. 4, the CPU 401 receives aninput of the user from the keyboard 404 and the pointing device 405 viathe system bus 409 and controls the RAM 402, CRT 403, ROM 406, DISK 407,and communication interface 408, thereby executing various processesunless otherwise specified.

[0034]FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a construction of software on the PCside embodying the invention.

[0035] Each software can exist on the PC of any one of the PC(1) 302,PC(2) 303, and PC(3) 304.

[0036] Each software has been stored in the DISK 407 or the like and isactivated by the user via the keyboard 404 or the like. The activatedsoftware is developed into the RAM 402 by the CPU 401, thereby enablingthe operation from the user via the CRT 403 and keyboard 404. Theactivated software activates another application as necessary by theoperation from the user, thereby providing a desired function to theuser.

[0037] In FIG. 5, reference numeral 501 denotes a general imageprocessing application for providing a function such as display andediting of an image data file stored in the DISK 407 or the like,fetching of image data via the communication interface 408, or the liketo the user. Reference numeral 502 denotes a main program of theinvention and it is a program for intervening the obtainment of theimage data from the image processing application 501 which operates onthe PC and the MFP 301. This program is activated by an instruction fromthe image processing application 501. Reference numeral 503 denotes asubprogram of the invention and it is a program which is transferred tothe MFP 301 and executed thereon in accordance with a flowchart shown inFIG. 6, which will be explained hereinlater. The subprogram 503 can beheld as data in the main program 502 or can be also held in the PC, as asubstance different from the main program 502. A format of thesubprogram held in the PC is not specified.

[0038]FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a display picture plane on the PCbefore the PC transmits the subprogram 503 to the MFP. In the imageprocessing application on the PC, a picture plane which is obtainedafter the user designated a scanner on the reading destination side andcalled a scanner driver is displayed here. A preview button 1201 is abutton for instructing the apparatus to scan an original and display apreview image. A scan button 1202 is a button for instructing so as toscan the original, form image data, and store it onto a hard disk. Animage selecting unit 1203 is constructed by, for example, a pull-downmenu and is a selecting unit which can instruct and select readingattributes such as monochromatic, gray scale, color, or the like of theoriginal in the scanner. A resolution selecting unit 1204 is a selectingunit which can designate resolution of the original in the scanner.

[0039] An END button 1205 is an instructing unit which can instruct theend of the subprogram which becomes unnecessary after completion of theprocess in the MFP or the PC.

[0040]FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a part of the construction of thecontroller 101 of the MFP 301 as an image processing apparatus embodyingthe invention. In the diagram, reference numeral 601 denotes acommunication managing unit (communication managing means) for analyzinga communication command which is transmitted and received via thecommunication interface 206 and makes communication control. Referencenumeral 602 denotes a data managing unit (data managing means) formanaging various data which are controlled by the controller 101.Reference numeral 603 denotes a program managing unit (program managingmeans) for controlling execution of a resident or non-resident programmanaged by the data managing unit 602.

[0041]FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of the operation of the mainprogram 502 of the software on the PC side embodying the invention.

[0042] A series of processes shown in the flowchart can be automaticallyexecuted in the case where a power source of the PC is turned on, can beexecuted in the case where the user allows the picture plane shown inFIG. 12 to be displayed on a monitor of the PC, or can be also executedin response to timing when the user operates the pointing device andselects and instructs the scanner or the scanner driver corresponding tothe scanner before the picture plane shown in FIG. 12 is displayed.

[0043] In the diagram, in step S701, the main program 502 confirmswhether the corresponding image processing apparatus has been connectedor not. In this step, the presence or absence of the MFP 301 isdiscriminated via the communication interface 408 on the basis of theinformation obtained from the image processing application 501 on theactivating source side.

[0044] If the MFP 301 does not exist as a result of the discriminationin step S701, no process is executed, the present processing operationis finished, and the process is returned to the image processingapplication 501. Before the program is sent from the PC, an operatingunit as shown in FIG. 10 is displayed on the LCD 203 on the MFP side.

[0045]FIG. 10 shows a copy tab for instructing a copy function, atransmission tab for instructing a transmitting function, and a BOX tabfor instructing a function to manage the data read into a BOX of acopying apparatus, respectively. However, since a PC scanning functionis not implemented yet, a tab corresponding thereto is not displayed onthe LCD 203 as an operating unit.

[0046] In step S702, the subprogram 503 is transferred to the MFP 301. Aprogram file on the DISK 407 is transferred via the communicationinterface 408. At this time, in the communication managing unit 601, acommand and data from the main program 502 are analyzed and thesubprogram 503 is stored into the DISK 210 or RAM 202 via the datamanaging unit 602.

[0047] After the subprogram was transmitted to the MFP, as shown in FIG.13, a PC scan tab 1301 appears. In a manner similar to FIG. 10, FIG. 13displays a copy tab for selecting and instructing a task of the copyfunction, a transmission tab for selecting and instructing a task of thetransmitting function, and a BOX tab for instructing a task of themanaging function to manage data read into the BOX of the copyingapparatus, respectively. In addition to those tabs, the PC scan tab 1301for selecting and instructing a task indicative of the PC scanningfunction is added and displayed so that it can be discriminated. Thediagram shows a state where the PC scan tab has been selected andactivated. This diagram realizes a function and a user interface whichare almost similar to those in FIG. 12. The preview button 1201 shown inFIG. 12 realizes a function similar to that of a preview button 1302 inFIG. 13. The scan button 1202 in FIG. 12 realizes a function similar tothat of a scan button 1303 in FIG. 13. Other image selecting unit andresolution instructing unit are also constructed in a manner similar tothose mentioned above.

[0048] If the subprogram 503 is included in the main program 502, onlythe subprogram portion can be transferred or it can be also transferredevery main program 502. If the subprogram 503 is transferred every mainprogram 502, it is also possible to previously program so as to switchan operating mode by a program activating command or the like, whichwill be explained hereinlater.

[0049] In step S703, a command to execute the subprogram 503 stored instep S702 is transmitted to the CPU 201 of the MFP 301. At this time, inthe communication managing unit 601, the command sent from the mainprogram 502 is analyzed, thereby instructing the program managing unit603 to execute the program stored in step S702.

[0050]FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a message for permitting thecontinuation of the original reading operation on the MFP 301. In stepS704, a picture plane as shown in FIG. 11 is displayed on the monitorand a message to urge the user to execute the original reading operationby the MFP 301 is displayed. It is desirable that the subprogram whichhas already been transferred is activated in response to the operationsuch that the user inputs and instructs the OK button in FIG. 11 byusing the pointing device. It is assumed that after the OK button isinstructed, in the MFP 301, the subprogram 503 is executed in theprogram managing unit 603 and a data reading process from the originalis executed on the MFP 301. It is also possible to construct in a mannersuch that after the OK button is pressed, only the operation of thescanner provided for the MFP on the PC side is locked in order toprevent competition of the operation from the PC with the operation fromthe scanner or the MFP.

[0051] In step S705, whether the execution of the subprogram 503 hasbeen finished on the MFP 301 or not is discriminated. As for theconfirmation of the end of the execution, in the case of periodicallyconfirming the end of the execution from the main program 502, thecommunication managing unit 601 is inquired via the communicationinterface 408. In the communication managing unit 601, an inquirycommand is analyzed and the program managing unit 603 is inquired abouta situation of the subprogram 503. In the case of using the method ofwaiting for a notification from the subprogram 503 upon confirmation ofthe end of the execution, an executing situation of the subprogram 503is monitored in the program managing unit 603. If the program isfinished, it is also possible to instruct the communication managingunit 601 to issue an end command and notify the main program 502 of theend command.

[0052] In step S706, the subprogram 503 on the MFP 301 transferred instep S702 is deleted. The main program 502 issues a deletion command ofthe program via the communication interface 408. At this time, thecommunication managing unit 601 analyzes the command and instructs theprogram managing unit 603 to delete the subprogram 503. The programmanaging unit 603 instructs the data managing unit 602 to delete theprogram data in accordance with the deleting instruction. The process instep S706 can be also executed after step S707, which will be explainedhereinlater. When the completion of execution of the subprogram 503 isdetected in the program managing unit 603, if the program managing unit.603 instructs the data managing unit 602 to automatically delete thesubprogram 503, step S706 can be omitted.

[0053] In step S707, as a result of that the subprogram 503 was executedon the MFP 301, the image data stored in the DISK 210 or the RAM 202 isextracted to a predetermined area (on the DISK 407 or the ROM 406)instructed by the image processing application 501 on the PC. Theprocess in step S707 can be also executed before step S706 mentionedabove. With respect to the method of transferring the read image data,after a series of reading processes was completed, they can betransferred in a lump as shown in the embodiment or it is also possibleto transfer the read image data every reading of one original bydevising the process. It is not particularly limited to the methoddescribed in the embodiment.

[0054] The main program 502 is finished when a series of processes iscompleted.

[0055] With respect to the transfer of the subprogram 503 designated instep S702 mentioned above, it is possible that the main program 502transfers the subprogram 503 to the MFP 301 and instructs it to executethe subprogram as shown in the embodiment. It is also possible toconstruct the system in a manner such that a command indicative of aninstruction for both of the transfer of the program and the execution ofthe program is sent from the main program 502 and the MFP 301 downloadsthe subprogram 503 from the PC in which the main program 502 exists andexecutes it.

[0056] After completion of the process in step S707, the presentprocessing operation is finished.

[0057] If the operation of the scanner provided for the MFP on the PCside is locked on the PC side after the instruction of the OK button inFIG. 11 as mentioned above, there is also a case where the locking stateis cancelled in response to the detection of the notification of the endcommand of the subprogram for reading on the scanner side.

[0058] For example, it is also possible to construct the system in amanner such that when the user finishes the reading process of thescanner in the MFP and presses an END button 1304 of an operating unitin FIG. 13 which is displayed on the LCD 203, the subprogram forrealizing the scanning function is deleted and a memory occupied by thesubprogram is released. The PC scan tab 1301 corresponding to theprogram for realizing the finished process in FIG. 13 is erased and anoperating unit as shown in FIG. 10 is displayed on the LCD 203. At thesame time, an end notification is transmitted from the MFP to the PC.

[0059] Naturally, it is also possible to construct the system in amanner such that even in the case where the program is automaticallydeleted or the case where the program is deleted in response to aninstruction from the PC, the screen is shifted to the picture plane asshown in FIG. 10 from that of FIG. 13 in response to the deletingprocess or deleting instruction of the program and the tab correspondingto the task program whose deletion has been instructed is extinguished.

[0060] (Second Embodiment)

[0061] The second embodiment of the invention will now be described withreference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

[0062] Since a fundamental construction of an image processing apparatusaccording to the second embodiment of the invention is the same as thatshown in FIGS. 1 to 6 in the foregoing first embodiment, it will beexplained also with reference to those diagrams as necessary.

[0063]FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a flow of the operation of the mainprogram 502 of the software on the PC side in the image processingapparatus according to the second embodiment of the invention.

[0064] In FIG. 8, in step S801, the main program 502 confirms whetherthe corresponding image processing apparatus has been connected or not.In this step, the presence or absence of the MFP 301 is discriminatedvia the communication interface 206 on the basis of the informationobtained from the image processing application 501 on the activatingsource side.

[0065] If the MFP 301 does not exist as a result of the discriminationin step S801, no process is executed, the present processing operationis finished, and the process is returned to the image processingapplication 501. Before the program is sent from the PC, the operatingunit as shown in FIG. 10 is displayed on the LCD 203 on the MFP side.The copy tab for instructing the copy function, the transmission tab forinstructing the transmitting function, and the BOX tab for instructingthe function to manage the data read into the BOX of the copyingapparatus are displayed, respectively. However, since the PC scanningfunction is not implemented yet, a tab corresponding thereto is notdisplayed on the LCD 203 serving as an operating unit.

[0066] In step S802, a process request command to start the originalreading process is sent to the MFP 301. Since the command is sent to theMFP 301 in step S802, processes shown in FIG. 9, which will be explainedhereinlater, are executed in the MFP 301.

[0067] In step S803, a message for urging the user to execute thereading operation of the original by the MFP 301 is displayed. It isassumed that the user executes the operation in the MFP 301 in order toexecute the original reading process.

[0068] In step S804, a process end notification which is notified in thecase where the operation is completed on the MFP 301 via thecommunication interface 408 is detected. If the completion of theprocess is notified, step S805 follows. If it is not notified, step S806follows.

[0069] The detection of the process end notification in step S804 can berealized by the reception of the command as shown in the embodiment orcan be also realized by inquiring of the MFP 301.

[0070] In step S805, the read image is transferred. In this step, theread image is extracted from the MFP 301 via the communication interface408 and stored into a predetermined area (on the DISK 407 or the ROM406) which is instructed by the image processing application 501 on thePC. With respect to the method of transferring the read image data,after a series of reading processes is completed, they can betransferred in a lump as shown in the embodiment or the read image datacan be also transferred every reading of one original by devising theprocesses. Such a method is not particularly limited to the method inthe embodiment.

[0071] After all read images are transferred, the present processingoperation is finished and the processing routine is returned to theimage processing application 501.

[0072] In step S806, a program download request command from the MFP 301is detected. If the program download request command is detected, stepS807 follows. If NO, the processing routine is returned to step S804 andthe detecting process of the process end notification is continued.

[0073] In step S807, the subprogram 503 is transferred to the MFP 301.In this step, the program file on the DISK 407 is transferred via thecommunication interface 408. If the subprogram 503 is included in themain program 502, only the subprogram portion can be transferred or itcan be also transferred every main program 502.

[0074]FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a flow of the operation of a part ofthe program in the image processing apparatus according to theembodiment of the invention. This flow shows processes which areexecuted after the command issued in process request commandtransmitting step S802 in FIG. 8 of the main program 502 on the PC isreceived by the communication managing unit 601 via the communicationinterface 206.

[0075] In FIG. 9, in step S901, an operation picture plane is selected.In this step, the process request command sent in the process requestcommand transmitting step S802 in FIG. 8 is received, thereby urging theuser to select either a mode in which the original reading process isexecuted by the operating program which the MFP 301 has or a mode inwhich the program is downloaded from the PC, the downloaded program isexecuted, and the original reading process is executed. The processingmode is selected via the user interface 106. In the case of using theoperating program which the MFP 301 has, the processing routine advancesto step S902. In the case of downloading the program, step S909 follows.

[0076] In step S902, the operating program which the MFP 301 hasinherently is executed. This step is executed by the program managingunit 603 and the original reading operation is executed via the userinterface 106.

[0077] In step S903, an image reading process for actually reading animage is executed. In this step, the user executes the operating programvia the user interface 106 and reads the read image from a desiredoriginal. It is assumed that the image is stored into the DISK 210 orthe RAM 202 via the data managing unit 602.

[0078] In step S904, whether a series of operations of the user has beencompleted via the user interface 106 or not is detected. If thecompletion of the processes is detected, step S905 follows. If thecompletion of the processes is not detected, the processing routine isreturned to step S903 and the image reading process is continued.

[0079] In step S905, the main program 502 is notified of the end ofprocesses via the communication managing unit 601.

[0080] In step S906, the image data stored in the DISK 210 or the RAM202 via the data managing unit 602 is transferred via the communicationmanaging unit 601 in response to an instruction of the main program 502.

[0081] In step S907, whether the program has been downloaded in stepS910, which will be explained hereinlater, or not is discriminated. Ifit has been downloaded, step S908 follows. If it is not downloaded, thepresent processing operation is finished.

[0082] In step S908, the data managing unit 602 is instructed to deletethe program downloaded in step S910 mentioned above.

[0083] In step S909, the download request command to download theprogram from the PC is transmitted. In this step, the main program 502which is operating on the PC is requested to download the program viathe communication managing unit 601 and the communication interface 206.

[0084] In step S910, the actual program is downloaded and transferred.In this step, the communication managing unit 601 stores the transferredprogram into the DISK 210 or the RAM 202 via the data managing unit 602.

[0085] In step S911, the program transferred and stored in programtransfer step S910 is executed. In this step, the program is executed bythe program managing unit 603, the original reading operation isexecuted via the user interface 106, and thereafter, step S903 follows.

[0086] According to the invention, as described above, there has beendisclosed the network system including: the PC as a preferred example ofthe information processing apparatus connected to the network; and thescanner, copying apparatus, printing apparatus, image forming apparatus,or the like as a preferred example of the image processing apparatuswhich can communicate with the PC via the network. For example, thereare provided: the mouse, keyboard, and software key input unit foroperating a pointer or the like displayed on the monitor and inputtingthe operation of the scanner; and the controller for controlling thecommunication interface for controlling the process to transfer thecontrol program for the scanner to the scanner. In accordance with thetransfer of the control program which is controlled by the controller,even if there is an input from the mouse, the input from the mouse islimited so as to limit it. The scanner receives and obtains the controlprogram transferred from the PC. The process for displaying theoperation which can input a part or all of the operations which aredisplayed on the screen of the PC and can be inputted by the mouse atthis time onto the LCD is controlled by using the control program. Onthe PC side, in response to the process end notification from thescanner or the instruction input indicative of the end of the process bythe user, the end of the operation is recognized. In response to therecognition of the end of the operation, the control program is deleted.The PC is notified of the cancellation of the limitation of the input bythe mouse via the communication interface of the scanner. Theconstruction such that in response to the instruction of the user or theend of the process of the program, the display on the LCD of theoperating unit of the scanner is changed has been shown.

[0087] (Other Embodiments)

[0088] Naturally, the object of the invention is also accomplished by amethod whereby a memory medium on which program codes of software forrealizing the functions of the embodiments mentioned above have beenrecorded is supplied to a system or an apparatus, and a computer (or aCPU, an MPU, or the like) of the system or the apparatus reads out theprogram codes stored in the memory medium and executes them.

[0089] In this case, the program codes themselves read out from thememory medium realize the functions of the embodiments mentioned aboveand the memory medium on which the program codes have been storedconstructs the invention.

[0090] As a memory medium for supplying the program codes, for example,a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a hard disk, a magnetooptic disk,a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a CD-RW, a DVD-ROM, a DVD-RAM, a DVD-RW, a DVD+RW, amagnetic tape, a non-volatile memory card, an ROM, or the like can beused.

[0091] Naturally, the invention incorporates not only a case where acomputer executes the read-out program codes, so that the functions ofthe embodiments mentioned above are realized but also a case where an OS(Operating System) or the like which is operating on the computerexecutes a part or all of actual processes on the basis of instructionsof the program codes, and the functions of the embodiments mentionedabove are realized by those processes.

[0092] Further, naturally, the invention also incorporates a case wherethe program codes read out from the memory medium are written into amemory provided for a function expanding board inserted in a computer ora function expanding unit connected to a computer, thereafter, a CPU orthe like provided for the function expanding board or the functionexpanding unit executes a part or all of actual processes on the basisof instructions of the program codes, and the functions of theembodiments mentioned above are realized by those processes.

[0093] As described in detail above, according to the embodiments, thenumber of reciprocating operations between the information processingapparatus such as a PC or the like and the image processing apparatuscan be reduced and the operability is improved.

What is claimed is:
 1. A network system including an informationprocessing apparatus connected to a network and an image processingapparatus which can communicate with said information processingapparatus via said network, wherein said information processingapparatus comprises: input means for inputting an operation of saidimage processing apparatus; transfer control means for controlling aprocess to transfer a control program to said image processingapparatus; and limiting means for limiting the input in said input meansin accordance with the transfer of the control program which iscontrolled by said transfer control means, and said image processingapparatus comprises: obtaining means for obtaining the control programtransferred in the transfer process which is controlled by said transfercontrol means; display control means for controlling a process todisplay an operating unit which can input a part or all of operationswhich can be inputted by said input means to a display unit onto anoperation panel of said image processing apparatus by using the controlprogram obtained by said obtaining means; recognizing means forrecognizing an end of an operation; deleting means for deleting saidcontrol program in response to that said recognizing means recognizesthe end of the operation; and notifying means for notifying saidlimiting means so as to cancel the limitation of the input by said inputmeans in response to the deletion of the control program in saiddeleting means or the recognition of the end of the operation by saidrecognizing means.
 2. An image processing apparatus which cancommunicate with an outside connected to a communication network,comprising: operating means for allowing the user to operate said imageprocessing apparatus; managing means for managing a program and dataexisting in said image processing apparatus; obtaining means forobtaining the program for controlling said image processing apparatusfrom an information processing apparatus connected via saidcommunication network; recognizing means for recognizing an end of aprocess based on the program in said image processing apparatus; anddeleting means for deleting said program in response to the end of theprocess of said program.
 3. A system according to claim 1, wherein theprogram which is received from said information processing apparatus andexecuted has a user interface which is equivalent to a program forexecuting a similar process which is executed on said informationprocessing apparatus.
 4. A system according to claim 1, furthercomprising selection instructing means for, when said image processingapparatus is operated, making it possible to select either a mode ofoperating said image processing apparatus by a program which said imageprocessing apparatus has inherently or a mode of operating said imageprocessing apparatus by the program received from said informationprocessing apparatus at the time of the operation.
 5. A system accordingto claim 1, wherein the program which is received from said informationprocessing apparatus and executed includes an operating program forimage reading control to read an image from an original.
 6. A systemaccording to claim 1, further comprising first display control means forcontrolling so that a message for urging the user to operate on saidimage processing apparatus is displayed on display means on saidinformation processing apparatus side.
 7. A system according to claim 1,further comprising second display control means for controlling so as tochange the display of said operating unit in response to the deletion ofthe program by said deleting means.
 8. An information processingapparatus which can communicate with an image processing apparatus via anetwork, comprising: transfer control means for controlling a process totransfer a control program to said image processing apparatus; limitingmeans for limiting an input in input means in response to an instructionof the transfer process in said transfer control means; and recognizingmeans for recognizing an end of a process in said image processingapparatus, wherein said limiting means cancels the limitation of theinput to said input means in response to that said recognizing meansrecognizes the end of the process.
 9. An apparatus according to claim 8,further comprising display control means for controlling so that amessage for urging the user to operate on said image processingapparatus is displayed on display means on said information processingapparatus side.
 10. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein saidinput means can input confirmation to the message which is used forurging the user to operate on said image processing apparatus and hasbeen displayed on said display means, and said limiting means limits theoperation on said information processing apparatus side in response tothe input in said input means.
 11. A method of controlling an imageprocessing apparatus which is connected to a communication network andcan communicate with an outside, comprising: an operating step ofallowing the user to operate said image processing apparatus; a managingstep of managing a program and data existing in said image processingapparatus; an obtaining step of obtaining the program for controllingsaid image processing apparatus from an information processing apparatusconnected via said communication network; a recognizing step ofrecognizing an end of a process based on the program in said imageprocessing apparatus; and a deleting step of deleting said program inresponse to the end of the process of said program.
 12. A methodaccording to claim 11, wherein the program which is received from saidinformation processing apparatus and executed has a user interface whichis equivalent to a program for executing a similar process which isexecuted on said information processing apparatus which can control theimage processing apparatus.
 13. A method according to claim 11, furthercomprising a selection instructing step of, when said image processingapparatus is operated, making it possible to select either a mode ofoperating said image processing apparatus by a program which said imageprocessing apparatus has inherently or a mode of operating said imageprocessing apparatus by the program received from said informationprocessing apparatus at the time of the operation.
 14. A methodaccording to claim 11, wherein the program which is received from saidinformation processing apparatus and executed includes an operatingprogram for image reading control to read an image from an original. 15.A method according to claim 11, further comprising a first displaycontrol step of controlling so that a message for urging the user tooperate on said image processing apparatus is displayed in a displaystep on said information processing apparatus side.
 16. A methodaccording to claim 11, further comprising a second display control stepof controlling so as to change the display of said operating unit inresponse to the deletion of the program in said deleting step.
 17. Amethod of controlling an information processing apparatus which cancommunicate with an image processing apparatus via a network,comprising: a transfer control step of controlling a process to transfera control program to said image processing apparatus; a limiting step oflimiting an input in an input step in response to an instruction of thetransfer process in said transfer control step; and a recognizing stepof recognizing an end of a process in said image processing apparatus,wherein in said limiting step, the limitation of the input to said inputstep is cancelled in response to that the end of the process isrecognized in said recognizing step.
 18. A method according to claim 17,further comprising a display control step of controlling so that amessage for urging the user to operate on said image processingapparatus is displayed in a display step on said information processingapparatus side.
 19. A method according to claim 18, wherein in saidinput step, confirmation to the message which is used for urging theuser to operate on said image processing apparatus and has beendisplayed in said display step can be inputted, and in said limitingstep, the operation on said information processing apparatus side islimited in response to the input in said input step.